LaVonne Sheffield announces resignation
Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield
By Jim Hagerty
Online Editor
Dr. LaVonne Sheffield’s days as superintendent of Rockford Public School District 205 will soon be over.
According to district officials, Sheffield’s term as superintendent will officially end April 30. This means she will depart at roughly the same time three new school board members take their seats Tuesday, April 26.
It has also been reported that Sheffield will receive a severance package that includes six months worth of her annual salary. Sheffield earns more than $230,000 per year.
Sheffield’s departure comes by way of a mutual agreement with the district, officials said.
Sheffield was hired in 2009. Since coming to Rockford, she’s been under fire for a litany of radical changes within the district.
Last fall, Sheffield presented the Board of Education with a fiscal 2012 budget deficit of $50 million. The board closed six schools, fired more than 400 teachers, and eliminated and reclassified some 60 administrators to close the gap.
Meantime, the Rockford Education Association called for an independent review of the budget. Consulting firm Baker Tilly found that the district could receive more than $23 million in aid next year.
Chief Financial Officer Cedric Lewis claimed he didn’t account for the subsidy because the district is likely not to receive it.
Hundreds of parents, students and others challenged the budget and subsequent cuts, pleading with the board to rethink Sheffield’s plan.
Sheffield was also named today, April 7, in a defamation lawsuit, filed by education researcher and public speaker Noel Hammatt. Hammatt alleges Sheffield publicly placed him a false light with comments made at the Tuesday, Feb. 22 school board meeting.
As of press time, a replacement for Sheffield has not been announced. The school board is expected to name an interim superintendent in the near future.
Sheffield leaves after nearly two years into a four-year contract. The board is scheduled to vote on Sheffield’s departure Tuesday, April 12.
Message from LaVonne Sheffield
Editor’s note: Following is the text of a message from Sheffield sent via e-mail at 4:24 p.m., Thursday, April 7:
Dear Friends,
Change. In 2009, after Barack Obama had ridden the change-we-can-believe-in slogan to the White House, Time magazine ranked “change” as the nation’s No. 1 buzzword. “Change,” according to Time, had become synonymous with “candidacy” and the first opportunity in 20 years to have a president not named Bush or Clinton.
When a word becomes a buzzword, the word tends to loose its meaning in all the buzz.
Change. To make something different; to alter, shift or switch; to transform.
Most of us like change if the change has little or no consequence: Changing the TV channel, our hair style or brand of toothpaste.
Big changes? Not so much.
Small changes offer variety, the spice of life. Big changes bring about anxiety and sometimes second thoughts. Are we sure we want the change we said we wanted? Maybe we want different change? Or maybe less change or slower change?
I was hired as superintendent of Rockford Public Schools to be a change agent, and I’m proud of the change I’ve achieved. We have shifted the course of things and begun to make a difference, but we have not yet transformed into a world-class education system. We have not yet made Rockford schools the schools of first choice.
While I still believe in the potential of Rockford and its schools, I also believe that change, by definition, means continuous forward motion. I cannot subscribe to hitting the pause button on change, much less going backward or “rewinding.” So, unfortunately, I must end my tenure as superintendent.
I leave proud of the significant advancements we have made in our schools over the past two years, and they are many. Chief among them is that we have refocused our schools on teaching and learning by building from the ground up a rigorous, relevant and coherent instructional framework.
The top of the list also includes changing the culture of our schools from one of punitive discipline to one of positive behavior supports. We developed a robust professional development program, implemented a state-of-the-art technology system and gave authority to principals to hire the teams they deem appropriate to improve student achievement. Through a process that engaged the entire community, we crafted a meaningful, five-year strategic plan, Visualize 2015.
Alignment Rockford is the premiere example of a host of partnerships we have formed to benefit children. The level of communication has increased exponentially through regular parent and community mailings, e-blasts, automated telephone calls and other means of keeping the public informed.
As I depart, we are beginning the process of transitioning our elementary schools to a geography-based enrollment system, which offers families greater predictability and saves money through reduced busing. Months of thorough study and difficult decision-making put us in a position to close a $50 million shortfall and balance the budget.
A more exhaustive review of the accomplishments of the last two years only would distract from the message I want to impart as I exit. Every change we made was in line with national best practice and in the best interest of all children.
The challenges before Rockford remain the same whether I am part of the equation or not. What are those challenges?
A gap still exists in student achievement, even in schools where test scores are rising among students of all races. The racial imbalance in the number of student discipline cases also lingers, even though the number of students who are being suspended or expelled has declined dramatically.
A stark financial uncertainly still confronts our schools. You can quibble over whether the looming deficit is $50 million or some other very large figure with several zeroes, but the depressed national economy and Illinois’ near insolvency are real. As a matter of fact, the state’s budget is a gathering storm that has yet to break loose with full force.
We must live with less, and that will be a struggle for whoever occupies the superintendent’s office. The bold steps we have already taken, while painful, positions Rockford Public Schools to weather the storm. Closing schools, filling classrooms to capacity and reducing the size of our workforce is courageous business, and the Board of Education deserves every bit of credit for having the foresight and fortitude to make these heartbreaking decisions.
Despite the challenges that face Rockford Public Schools, there are plenty of reasons to rejoice. Talented, skilled teachers are engaging students in classrooms in every school every day, and they are supported by hundreds of caring and dedicated nurses, counselors, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other personnel. We have strong principals who know how to improve student achievement because they understand leadership and instruction. The administrators on my senior team are as good as any I’ve worked with during a career that has taken me many places.
In two years time, I have also met a long line of parents and citizens who want the best for their children and their town. I believe with all my heart that they represent the majority, though too often the majority is silent.
Our recent climate survey, however, gives voices to this silent majority. Without question, the survey demonstrates that our students are engaged by their teachers and feel safe in their classrooms, and our parents are happy with the quality of education their children are receiving. Conducted by the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, the survey further reveals that faculty are using the instructional framework we built, employing data to focus their instruction and taking advantage of professional development to enhance their skill sets.
If I have shined a light on the need for change, then I’m content to have fulfilled an important purpose in Rockford.
To those who have supported me in my efforts, don’t frown because my time here is over. Smile because it happened. One way or another, change will come.
Press release from Rockford Public School District 205
Editor’s note: Following is the text of a press release issued by Rockford Public School District 205 at 4:23 p.m., Thursday, April 7:
APRIL 7, 2011 – The Rockford Board of Education and Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield today announce that they have reached an agreement in which the superintendent would leave her position in Rockford Public Schools. The agreement is pending approval by the Board at its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.
Under the agreement, Dr. Sheffield would carry out her duties as superintendent through April 30, 2011. The mutual decision was reached after extensive discussions over Dr. Sheffield’s desire to pursue other opportunities.
“The Board would like to thank Dr. Sheffield for her dedication and excellent work for the School District,” said Dave Kelley, President of the Board of Education. “Under Dr. Sheffield’s leadership, the District implemented many changes that will benefit the students in the District for years to come. The Board wishes Dr. Sheffield the best in her future endeavors.”
“I would like to thank the community for the opportunity to lead the District during my tenure here,” Dr. Sheffield said. “The School District faces many issues. While many have been addressed, I hope the foundation that has been built over the last two years will help the District move forward toward the goal of providing a first-class education to all of its students. I also want to publicly thank the District staff for its excellent work and dedication over the years. I’ve enjoyed my time in Rockford and the many friends I have made.”
The Board will be meeting in the near future to discuss options for Dr. Sheffield’s replacement.
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18 Comments
I think the community should appreciate the work of the Rock River Times and the ladies of Wee for all their hard work in helping this to happen.
Wow Superintendent is leaving…again the district is paying a huge sum of money that really should be spent on the students of District 205.
It’s a shame closing schools and laying off teachers; and that amount of money spent on someone who chooses to leave their position!
Well, at first I thought this was good. But upon reading her resignation, I feel a tinge of regret for my feelings. She is obviously a smart and centered person with a clear idea of what she thought was required to make things better.
Maybe she and Bob O’Brien can start a “charter” flight training school here. Might be something to put us on the map!
Can we please expel the students who assaulted RPS205 staff? Can we please go back to disciplining the “undisciplinable” (I know, it’s not a word…)? Can we please stop looking over our shoulders, fearful of the Fort Madison gestapo? Can we sue Dr. Sheffield in a class action lawsuit for widespread PTSD?
Why on earth are they going to pay her? She QUIT her job. I cannot think of a single job that gives a severance package when the employee quits. Not only did she resign, but she didn’t do her job properly. She’s a boil on the butt of Rockford.
Rockford!! It’s time to become a true community, where people support their schools and work with teachers to make this place a Great place!! It is not only money what we need is ATTITUDE. And remember to leave ALL the blood suckers out, including “those influential business people” who helped Sheffield design a path of terror and destruction throughout our beloved Rockford.
Thank you Rock River Times for contributing to our community and saving our schools by making sure we the people know the truth…again thank you!!
The Climate survey mentioned by Dr. Lavonne Sheffield was sent out in September of 2010
This climate survey was sent out before Dr. Sheffield attempted to eliminate honors courses, before Dr. Sheffield attempted to eliminate full day kindergarten, and before the circus of events regarding the closing of schools that included a disproportionate number of west side schools being closed including ACE, Kennedy, and Summerdale schools being closed without any prior public notification to parents.
Check the current temperature…as it would seem our climate has significantly changed since September of 2010!
that’s all floks?
oh yea,mr o’brien also recieved a ‘buy-out’ we have such short memories. Could the sheriff be the next to move on?
Thank you to Frank Schier and The Rock River Times for telling the real story when nobody else would. As citizens, we are fighting a variety of negative forces that threaten our schools, our jobs, our collective bargaining rights, and our way of life in general. I am grateful that we have a voice in this paper.
I am grateful this woman is leaving; but I want to be assured by the school board that her Cabinet will be terminated IMMEDIATELY. There are several LOCAL people who could easily move into the superintendent position and get Rockford’s educational system back on track.
Yes, I ALSO want an audit of all the monies that Sheffield and her Cabinet have thrown away BEFORE she is compensated ANY monies. Dr. Sheffield has indeed MANY times broken the morality clause in her contract. It has GREATLY bothered me that she was NOT terminated. It is good to see Westholder gone too. It was her own constituents who removed her from office because she was not fulfilling her duties to that same constituency. Next, you will see a lame duck Jackson on the school board now that she is the lone racist. HOPEFULLY, this new school board will get rid of the security personnel in the schools and turn those duties BACK over to the police dept for the safety of ALL children, staff and citizenry. I also would like to see this new board IMMEDIATELY address the issue of the discipline code and have that revamped by the end of July so ALL students are aware that we AS A SOCIETY will no longer tolerate the explosive, violent behaviors that are now acceptable in our school district. And, lastly, I WOULD like to see the REA make DRAMATIC consessions for at least 2 years until we can get our budget woes cleared up. It has taken this superintendent 2 years to ruin our district financially so it will take at least 2 years to put it back on track. For anyone saying we have a terrible school district, they are SO wrong. It has been our leadership that has been terrible.
My 4 children and I are products of the Rockford school district and each of us had an excellent education here, we remain residents here, and we are CONTRIBUTING members of this community who continue to give back. You get out of your education EXACTLY what you put into it. We have some GREAT teachers here and some not so great. Same situation in EVERY organization in the world!! Perfection is impossible. We, as a district, need to get behind our teachers, principals, and staff members and CLEAN UP our schools so it is safe for everyone.
This woman is supposedly so intelligent & above others, yet she doesn’t know the difference between “loose” and “lose?” Really?
And yeah, if she “cared so much” about our kids, then she’d pass on the severance pay. That’s what, a year’s salary for at least 2 of good teachers who lost their jobs.
Listen up, Rockford School District: GET THIS SH!T IN LINE OR LOSE YOUR STUDENTS TO OTHER DISTRICTS.
Wow….$210K??? WTH??? Rockford schools have pretty much been screwed, since way back when my son was in grade school, some 25 years ago or so. At that time, the discrimination lawsuit was filed, and that’s when it all started going down…hill. Busing kids, etc. Bottom line: I don’t care what color your skin is. If you don’t have parental supervision, if your parents aren’t involved in your education, busing you to another school isn’t going to help! I remember complaints about the kids at Guilford, having better equipment. Their parents would hold rummage/bake sales, in order to buy those things. Well, nobody said other parents from other schools couldn’t do the same! And nope, my son didn’t go to Guilford. If you don’t like your neighborhood school, MOVE!!! It shouldn’t be the taxpayer’s burden to bus your kid to another one! And in the end, where has it gotten Rockford students??? Nowhere! Look at the test results. Keep neighborhood schools, and quit paying for busing them!!! Isn’t 30 years of proof enough???
Was Ms. Sheffield under the influence when she made the following comment?????
“I don’t want to see all the hard work we’ve done go to the wayside,” she said. ” … I don’t want to leave the district how I found it.”
Dr. Sheffield firmly believes in her own self-importance. I know one that’s going by the wayside: there are going to be some students who are going to learn the hard way that Sheffield’s gone and they are going to HAVE to behave.
This whole administration believes in its own self importance. The cabinet as well as department heads have been running the schools on principles of fear, intimidation, and bullying. They must all be held accountable. Every teacher and staff in this district will tell you the same. Everyone is so discouraged and hopeless. the morale is at an all time low. And for those people who are led to believe that it is the “teachers’ fault” I have a proposal. How about every adult in this community spending a week in one of our schools, shadowing a teacher,and seeing first hand what our staff experience on daily basis. And here, we are not talking about the fake and phony “principal for a day” program. We are talking the real trenches!
As a citizen why are we not in our right to speak out in support of or against a person. Parents have been doing this around the district in support of the principals who have been let go or switched to teachers. Mr. Gagliano at Kish. Ann Rundle at Haskell and all of the others around town who have been here longer than her hand picked friends and family. I heard at breakfast yesterday from a Marsh parent that they themselves started a petition in favor of their principal and he since been removed because of parent support. REALLY… People are happy and want to show there support for a person who they liked and had finally been working well with and that person is targeted by downtown for having the support of the parents. Is this Rockford or Russia……. Please all of her crew has to go from entire directors of ed office to finance. Place these respected principals back and let’s work at healing our schools not tearing them apart.